160mm f3.5 petzval on 5x7: question

[Steven Tribe]

Personally I would like at least 10 inch FL for 5x7 more like 11-12. 10 inch f5 Wollensak Vesta lenses pop up quite often for not too much. Also the idea that a certain Focal length will cover the same on all makes of petzvals is just not true. Expect to pay a bit for a good portrait petzval.

This very sensible. The difference in coverage between Petzvals with the same EFL is more a function of their speed design than the actual maker.

We must not forget that these lenses were made for studio cabinet size portraits. Very few were for the Imperial and larger sizes. I enclose a photo of a continental (French tourist 13x18cm) camera with an appropriate sized 25cm, F3.2 Voigtlander Petzval. Even though this is a tailboard camera and security precautions have been made, the lens weighs more than 2 kilos. Not exactly a harmonic combination!
Note that the tangential drive has been removed (saving weight?) and the barrel will soon slide out onto a concrete floor.